If aliens from a distant and previously unknown planet landed seeking
asylum and only to be allowed to integrate into society, HR would have
no problem adapting equality and diversity policies to include Little
Green Men. After all colour, race and sexuality are already covered.
From HR to all staff
In view of recent “new arrivals” there maybe a need for some
minor tweaks to recruitment strategies to take into account the lack
of recognised formal qualifications, different education systems and
the need to identify transferable skills plus some “ reasonable
adjustments “ to take account of physical differences. (Managers are
reminded there is a budget for adjustments and adaptations to the
office environment.)
Concerns have been expressed by staff about which toilets the “
new comers” should use as being androgynous they are both male and
female despite being commonly referred to as Little Green Men. Unisex
facilities are considered the way forward.
The standard Person Specification criteria regarding
communication skills will need adapting in view of the introduction
of telepathy to the work place. Clearly this is no longer about the
ability to speak and understand English but a cultural issue about
when it is acceptable to read some ones mind. There are recognised
technics to reduce the risks of inappropriate thoughts being expressed
and blocking technology however best advise is if you don’t want
people to know what your thinking don’t think it.
Whilst most workplaces no longer have staff canteens never the
less their are concerns about eating and drinking. So staff are asked
to be culturally sensitive and not to eat or drink in front of aliens.
Finally the policy on sexual relations between staff remains that it
is inappropriate for a manager to have a relationship with a direct
report irrespective of their species.
It has come to senior managers attention that there is a
considerable amount of false information on social media. To tackle
misinformation, ignorance, myths and prejudice the organisation is
running mandatory ET training courses.
We aspire to be an equal opportunity employer and for our
workforce to reflect the profile of the local population to this end
we have set recruitment targets adjusted to take account of recent
arrivals. We believe as does the government that a diverse workforce
offers huge benefits, new skills, new ideas and a different way of
looking at things that will make us more efficient and more
competitive. It is up to each and everyone of us to creat a welcoming
environment in which all species feel the workplace is safe ,fair and
free from prejudice.
Blair McPherson former Director, author and blogger www.blairmcpherson.co.uk